Former 49ers tackle Keith Fahnhorst dead at age 66

LOS ANGELES - OCTOBER 8: Tackle Keith Fahnhorst #71 of the San Francisco 49ers watches from the sideline against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 1978 in Los Angeles, California. The Rams defeated the 49ers 27-10. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
AP/NFL Photos

Santa Clara

Another member of the 49ers' first Super Bowl team has passed. The team announced that Keith Fahnhorst died on Tuesday at age 66.

Fahnhorst, an offensive lineman who appeared in 193 games for the team over a span of 14 seasons, died eight days after his former teammate, receiver Dwight Clark, passed due to complications from ALS. Clark was 61. Other members of San Francisco's original Super Bowl squad from 1981 who have passed include receiver Freddie Solomon, running back Lenvil Elliott, guard John Ayers, fullback Walt Easley and center Fred Quillan.

Fahnhorst is second only to Len Rohde among 49ers offensive linemen in the number of games played for the team. His younger brother, Jim, played linebacker for the 49ers from 1984-90.

On social media, former 49ers center and guard Randy Cross noted that he played next to Fahnhorst for nine and half seasons and they had lockers next to one another. He said his teammate was gentle and kind to all. "I was lucky to call him my friend," Cross wrote.

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The 49ers did not give a cause of death. Fahnhorst battled polycystic kidney disease after he left the 49ers as well as neurological issues later in his life. He attended Dwight Clark Day at Levi's Stadium in October in a wheelchair.

Fahnhorst was a second-round pick to the 49ers out of the University of Minnesota in 1974. He was voted an All Pro in 1983 and 1984 and was a two-time recipient of the 49ers Bobb McKittrick Award, which is given annually to the 49ers offensive lineman who best represents the courage, intensity and sacrifice.